The Asheville citizen. [volume] (Asheville, N.C.) 1885-1889, 1887-06-29
THE SISTERS OF orR LADY Or MERcr.

established in the town OF Hickory an
Institution under the charge ofthe Sisters
of the above organization, having for its
object female education and the minis.
trations of mercy, teaching, 80 far IS rela-
ted to revenue from their labors was
concerned, without pay, and diaaSing by
their careful watch over human misery
the sweet blessings of a broad Christian
charity. The immediate Superior was
Mother Augustine.
The institution of Hickory cannot be
said to have flourished as was anticipa-
tel. The field was limited by the paucity
of numbers of the denominations under
whose auspices the institution was
sustained. This disadvantage has be-
come more apparent with each succeed.
ing year; and while the Sisters had no
other reason to suggest a transfer of theiI
scene of labor, they felt that their energ-
les did not have enough ofexercise, and
the material was too scanty to call into
action their abundant store oflearning,
zeal and charity.
Therefore within the past years
IsheviIIe iIiil ss 4 S5I 81 eE ton strC ! /
Requirements. There was q Pesiddsent Dent
population. large and growing, among
which were already considerable num-
Der of the Catholic faith. There was a
location central in its relation 10 the
religious, educational and social interests
of all parts of the United States, and in
especially strong relation to the West,
South, and Southwest with which the
interests of the institution might be most
closely interviewer There was .loca-
Lion pre-eminently blessed with the
richest treasures of climate and scenery;
and there was location made accessible
by the most ra pid and convenient convey
ance from all parts of the country.
After many efforts and much negotia-
ton, site was obtained here. The In
stitution at Hickory has been closed;
and nothing remains now to be done but
the erection of the buildings.
The site obtained is one of the most
beautiful in Asheville. 1t is on the
South end of French Broad Avenue, on
high, but not bold elevation, command.
ing magnificent views of mountain, val
ley, river, and city, embosomed in the
native forest trees, and enjoying the
purity of country atmosphere while
within easy reach of the center of city
population. 1t is within less than half
mile from the depot, and three quarters
of mile from the Court House. 1t is
opposite the new residence of Hon. Jas.
H. Melrimon and not far from that OF
Capt. w. M. Cooke.
The tract obtained contains four and
half acres, two and half of which came
by purchase. Two acres were the gen.
erous gift of the Southern Improvement
Company. This donation is not more
an honorable evidence of the generosity
of the company than of its sagacity in
extending a welcoming and helping
hand to an undertaking 80 full of good,
moral and material, to the community in
whic it is to operate. For the good to !
come from the Capitalization here ofl
seats of learning, and making this the |
focal point for parental interest, that in
terest to Vctuate distant as well as near |
communities of wealth, culture and re- |
finement. is what cannot be oYsrestimated,
For in the train of such interest follows |
unavoidably increased numbers in Ashe |
vile, addition to its temporary resources,
its property. The refore, the citi tens of
Asheville would do well and wisely, for
their own advantage, to initiate the
example of the Southern improvement
Company, and of their own motion, or in
response to possible appeal, contribute to
the funds needed to execute the cOntem-
plated plans.
The buildings of the institution arc to
be erected, as we have said. at the South
end of French Broad Avenue, the site
being beautiful and conspicuous one.
1t is to be surmounteN by edifces appro-
pirate to the fine locality. Pallisser,
Pallisser & Co., of New Y York, furnish the
designs. They anticipate a beautiful
structure appropriate to its purposes The
central building, around which, in time,
it is proposed to cluster others, is TO be of
brick, 96x40, three stories high exclusive
of basement, with mansard roof, with a
central tower 65 feet high. The style
adopted is elegant without being protuse-
ly ornate, the details practical and in
good taste, and admirably arranged to
meet all the needs of an educational
of high order. We do not
deem it essential to giv9 particulars of
WhdG CaHhoC very "e'l 70 COn'oy GU Ah
words to give general interest. But
inspection Of the plaIs both for ,he
interior and exterior demonstrate that
skill, sound judgment and
good taste are here combined to secure
that must crafty the most
expectations.
The building at once to be erected is
designed for the accommodation of one
hundred pupils. If the expected success
crowns the work, then other buildings
will be added or designs already matur.
ed, and Convent Hill will lie surmount-
ed with its architectural crown as res.
pIendent as any of those that adorn the
more than seven hilled city of Asheville.